The Isaiah Gifts: Counsel

The gift of counsel is not one that we use to counsel others; rather it is counsel that we ourselves receive from God—if we go to Him seeking it, that is.

We all face situations in life where difficult decisions need to be made, and we need help, especially help from on high. The farmer in the field (see previous blog entries) had a difficult decision to make after he discovered the treasure in the field. I can picture the man squatting there in the field, the open chest at his feet revealing the treasure within, considering his options. He wants to take it home and hide it, but something nags him about that decision, some sense that tells him that there is something very different about this treasure: it can't be tucked out of sight. And although Scripture doesn't say it, I imagine he seeks the help of God who replies, "Go, sell everything you have. You have to do that to possess this particular treasure and all that comes with it."

That is the cost of the treasure that is the kingdom of heaven. Everything we have.

A young man once approached Jesus asking what needed to be done to gain eternal life. Jesus said, "If you want to enter life, obey the commandments. 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself’”

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:17-22).

The young man couldn't pay the price. Many of us can't either. It is too much for us to pay, attached as we are to the things of the world. So we hang on to these worldly pleasures, impermanent though they are, sacrificing the life that is eternal.

Some of us don't believe that there is a price to pay. After all salvation is free. Nothing else needs to be done. Perhaps Jesus's words will convince them: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:26-27,33).

As we gain a deeper understanding of the parable of the treasure hidden in the field, we also begin to get a greater understanding of what is required of us. But how do we do what is required? By seeking the counsel of God who will give us advice about what needs to be done—and the grace to do it.